Earlier this season amid the poor run of form, there were some Leeds United fans who would have happily seen Lewie Coyle recalled in order to challenge, if not usurp, Luke Ayling in the pecking order at right-back.

Coyle set a record at Fleetwood Town with consecutive man-of-the-match awards during his season-long loan spell, which appears to have readied him for a potential challenge for the first team in 2018/19.

And that was certainly the case in the Cod Army's FA Cup tie with Leicester City today.

Coyle was outstanding at right-back in the televised lunchtime fixture against Premier League opposition and he nullified the threat of Demarai Gray, one of the most exciting young widemen in the top flight currently, as Uwe Rosler's side secured a 0-0 draw at Highbury Stadium.

His performance prompted a delighted reaction from Leeds supporters, with many convinced he is now ready to stake a claim for more regular involvement at Elland Road next season.

Ironically, the club's interest in signing a new left-back in the January transfer window could yet complicate his chances of becoming the club's first-choice right-back.

Lewie Coyle was instrumental in Fleetwood Town earning an FA Cup third-round replay against Leicester City (Image: Getty Images)

Gaetano Berardi has been playing on the left-hand side of Leeds' backline but he is ostensibly a right-back and is likely to be Ayling's deputy if the club secures a left-sided option, with Club Brugge's Laurens de Bock their top target.

But for now, Coyle can revel in helping Fleetwood secure a money-spinning replay at the King Power Stadium after playing a key role in keeping out a lacklustre Leicester side - and Leeds supporters were certainly impressed.

Here's how fans reacted on Twitter to the 22-year-old's FA Cup masterclass.